canned chicken salad recipe

charmer recipes

Discover a simple canned chicken salad recipe that's quick, healthy, and customizable for a delicious meal any time of the day

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 slices

Calories 320 kcal

Canned chicken as the base ingredient
At its core a canned chicken salad recipe is built around canned chicken. It’s a base ingredient that provides a solid protein source, making the dish both filling and satisfying. While you can use various forms of canned chicken, I prefer using chunked chicken as it mimics the texture of freshly shredded chicken. It’s also important to select good-quality canned chicken, ideally made with white meat, to achieve the best flavor. I always make sure to drain the chicken properly to remove excess liquid, ensuring the salad doesn’t become too watery.
Popular add-ins for chicken salad
Canned chicken salad is an incredibly versatile dish that you can modify with a wide range of add-ins. The possibilities are nearly endless depending on your preferences. Some of my favorite additions to chicken salad include:
Celery: Adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mayo. It’s a staple in most classic chicken salad recipes.
Red onion or green onions: These provide a sharp tangy flavor that balances the richness of the dressing.
Grapes or apples: A sweet addition that pairs well with the savory elements. The sweetness cuts through the richness of the mayo and gives the salad a refreshing bite.
Nuts: Toasted almonds walnuts, or pecans add texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the salad’s depth.
Hard-boiled eggs: For extra protein and creaminess hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic addition.

To bring everything together a great dressing and seasonings are crucial. The base of the dressing is usually mayonnaise, which provides the creamy texture that binds the ingredients. To complement the mayo, I like to add:
Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth of flavor giving the salad a slight kick.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the entire dish cutting through the richness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken salad to taste. Freshly ground black pepper is my go-to for a little extra warmth.
Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like dill parsley, or tarragon can elevate the flavor profile of your chicken salad.
By mixing and matching these add-ins and seasonings you can easily personalize your canned chicken salad to suit your tastes.

Making a canned chicken salad starts with the preparation of the chicken. First, I open the can of chicken and drain it thoroughly, ensuring that no excess liquid remains. I then use a fork to fluff the chicken, breaking up the chunks into smaller pieces. This step helps to ensure an even distribution of ingredients and dressing. After fluffing the chicken, I place it in a large mixing bowl, ready for the other ingredients.

Once the chicken is prepped, I move on to chopping the vegetables and other add-ins. The celery should be diced into small, bite-sized pieces. If I’m adding fruit like apples or grapes, I cut them into small chunks as well. I also chop any onions or herbs I plan to use. Afterward, I simply toss all the ingredients into the bowl with the chicken.

The next step is creating a dressing that will bring everything together. I start with about a cup of mayonnaise as the base, then add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, and salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes, I add a pinch of paprika for an extra depth of flavor. I whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Finally, I pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, then gently stir everything together. The key here is to combine everything without over-mixing, as you want the chicken pieces to remain intact and the salad to have a nice texture. Once everything is well-coated in the dressing, I give it one last taste test, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.

Keyword Canned Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Recipe, Easy Chicken Salad